Why Do Men Like Being Called Daddy?

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Is using "daddy" in a non-parental context weird or offensive?
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“Daddy” is a nickname that implies maturity and leadership, which many guys strive to embody in their daily lives. They enjoy the nickname because of the implications it brings, but also for a host of other reasons. In this article, we explain why guys like being called “daddy,” whether or not it’s problematic , and more. Read on for advice from dating coaches and sex and intimacy coaches about being in relationships with “daddies” (from what to call them to their characteristics ).

Why Some Guys Like to Be Called “Daddy”

Guys like to be called “daddy” for many reasons, mainly because it makes them feel powerful, protective, mature, and experienced. When used in a non-parental context, “daddy” refers to a strong, dominant partner who’s typically older, implying the maturity, experience, protection, and power that the guys enjoy.

Section 1 of 8:

Why do some guys like being called “daddy?”

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  1. When some guys are called “daddy,” they feel needed and appreciated, as it can represent feelings of care and protection. In turn, they feel powerful and may have a desire to use that power to protect you. In short, it can make them feel like you’re the Lois Lane to their Superman. [1]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    John Keegan is a Dating Coach who runs The Awaited Lifestyle, where he uses his dating, attraction, social dynamics, and over 15 years of professional experience to help people find love.

    Shelby Devlin, MA , is a Sex & Intimacy Coach of over 7 years, guides individuals and couples to a deepened capacity for pleasure and intimacy, specializing in BDSM therapy, D/S, and fetish exploration.

    Alejandra Alfonzo is a Language Instructor who runs a tutoring business. Her business, Spanish Con Ale, offers English and Spanish online classes.

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    They find it sexy. “Daddy” is often used to refer to dominant partners, especially in sexual settings. For some guys, hearing “daddy” whispered in their ear is enough to turn them on, so much so that they enjoy it and find it super sexy whenever you call them that. Call him that at the right time, and he might be eager to head into the bedroom. [2]
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  3. 3
    It implies that they’re mature and experienced in life. Some men feel wise and in control when you call them “daddy,” as the term is typically associated with strong, mature men who lead their households through wisdom and experience. Although this isn’t always the case (as anybody can be a “daddy”), this implication is commonly associated with being called “daddy.” [3]
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    They like feeling dominant. The leadership role that being called “daddy” implies can be extremely appealing to some men. It’s important to be equal in your partnership, but in some cases, calling your man “daddy” can show that you’re willing to defer to him, let him take charge, and be the dominant partner that he enjoys being. [4]
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    It represents trust between you two. Similar to the father/daughter relationship, the use of the word “daddy” between you and your partner shows that you trust him to have your best interests in mind. It shows that you trust him enough to be vulnerable and let each other do what you want (within reason, of course). [5]
  6. 6
    Some are influenced by pop culture and other media. Music, film, social media, and pop culture have helped popularize and normalize the use of the word “daddy” as a term of endearment (especially in sexual situations). For some guys, it’s just something they picked up from TV, their favorite artist, adult films, or on social media that they thought was sexy, cute, or unique. [6]
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    Sometimes, they just enjoy it as a pet name. For some guys, “daddy” isn’t anything but a fun, playful pet name that expresses the love and affection that their partner has for them. In this case, it’s often used playfully within the relationship to express the strong, loving bond you two have. It’s a bit less casual than pet names like “baby” or “honey,” but it still encompasses the same love. [7]
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Section 2 of 8:

What does daddy mean in a non-parental context?

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  1. “Daddy” is affectionate slang for an older or dominant partner. The partner is typically a boyfriend or male romantic interest. “Daddies” are typically leaders who are assertive, dominant, and in some cases, controlling, but not to the point where it does you harm. [8] They also tend to be powerful, with deep feelings of love and care for their partner underneath their strong exterior.
Section 3 of 8:

Where does the non-parental use of “daddy” come from?

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  1. Daddy was first used in a non-parental context back in 1681. According to the Historical Dictionary of American Slang , the first use of “daddy” in a non-parental context was in 1681 when prostitutes referred to their pimps or older customers with the term. The meaning gradually transformed over the years, gaining popularity in the African American dialect and eventually hitting the mainstream with the English rock band, The Zombies’ song, “Time of the Season.” [9]
    • In “Time of the Season,” singer Colin Blunstone asks, “Who’s your daddy? Is he rich like me?”
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Section 4 of 8:

How to Use “Daddy”

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  1. Guys who like to be called “daddy” often enjoy feeling powerful, strong, and protective, so use the phrase when you want to make his day! Casually work it into your conversation if you really want to catch him off-guard and make him feel special For example:
    • Him: “Hey honey! How was your day at work?”
    • You: “Hey daddy. My day at work was good. How about you? I know you’ve been working hard lately.”
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    Call him “daddy” when you want to set a sexy mood. Sometimes, calling your man “daddy” is enough to get his clothes off and get him on top of you. So if you want to set a sexy mood, say something like “Come here, daddy,” or “Look for me, daddy?” If you really want to get him going, use a voice he likes, softly touch him, or kiss him on the neck.
    • Example: “Want to head to the bedroom, daddy?”
    • Example: “I know you had a long day at work, daddy. How about we go in the bedroom and relieve some stress?”
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Section 5 of 8:

Is calling someone “daddy” weird?

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  1. 1
    Calling someone “daddy” isn’t inherently weird, but some people dislike it. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the pet name “daddy,” and in some relationships, it can even be a playful term of endearment or a turn-on . But not every guy likes it, and some may even feel uncomfortable when you call them that . It all depends on the guy and what they’re necessarily comfortable with. [10]
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    “Daddy” can be problematic if used in an unusual context. If your partner wants to be called “daddy” because they have a daddy/daughter fantasy, it may be cause for concern, especially if it makes you uncomfortable. If you ever feel uncomfortable or like you’re being forced to do something you don’t like, firmly explain that you don’t want to do it and try to remove yourself from the situation. [11]
    • Go for a walk, grab a cup of coffee, or let your partner know that you need fresh air to remove yourself from the situation.
    • If you’re in an uncomfortable situation that you can’t remove yourself from, call a family member, authority figure, or law enforcement, if necessary.
    • If it doesn’t make you uncomfortable and your partner keeps their fantasies strictly between the two of you, have at it.
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Section 6 of 8:

How to Know When to Call Him “Daddy”

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  1. Every guy is different. Some guys love to be called “daddy,” while others don’t really care for it. [12] To know when to call your man “daddy” (and if he even likes it), simply sit down with him and ask! Say something along the lines of “I have been hearing a lot about the ‘daddy' nickname and was wondering if you like to be called that.” If he does, ask him when he likes to be called “daddy,” as some guys only prefer it in the bedroom.
Section 7 of 8:

What else do guys like to be called?

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  1. 1
    Call them handsome, sexy, or cute when you’re flirting. According to dating coach John Keegan, guys like to be called things like adorable, cute, handsome, and good-looking when you’re flirting with them. They also enjoy being called sweet, kind, sexy, fun, and easygoing. In some cases, they’ll also enjoy being called creative and masculine! [13]
    • What you choose depends on the guy and your relationship with him.
    • For example, if you’re talking to a gym bro and things are starting to get romantic, he may prefer being called sexy and masculine over kind and easygoing.
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    Use beau, baby, or babe to lovingly express your affection. According to dating coach John Keegan, the word “beau” is a sign of affection that expresses that you see your guy as a sweetheart and that he’s special to you. [14] If beau isn’t your thing, go with a more casual term of endearment, like baby, babe, or bae. They are also signs of affection that express your care for him.
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    Try papi chulo for a spicy twist when you’re flirting. According to Spanish Language Instructor Alejandra Alfonzo, “ papi chulo ” (which translates to “handsome daddy” in English) is a Spanish slang term that refers to a hot guy who’s very attractive. You typically call a guy “papi chulo” if you like him very much. [15] So when you come across a super hot guy and you quickly hit it off, don’t be afraid to sprinkle the “papi chulo” nickname in conversation here and there.
    • It’s best to use this if you’re a Spanish speaker or in the process of learning the language. Using it without having any Spanish background can be offensive to native speakers.
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Section 8 of 8:

Characteristics of a “Daddy”

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  1. A key characteristic of being a “daddy” is being mature, as they’re the ones who are typically calling the shots. Maturity means knowing how to appropriately respond to you as their partner, being able to commit to love and care no matter the challenges you two face, being emotionally stable, trusting you, and being able to selflessly address your needs. [16]
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    Experience Being a “daddy” is associated with having life experience and knowing how to apply it, like the head of a household. An experienced “daddy” knows how to lead without being too aggressive, using wisdom and assertiveness and drawing on their past experiences, instead, similar to how an actual father leads their family. [17]
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    Assertiveness “Daddies” are known for being assertive. Not to the point where they enforce their will on you all the time, but enough to steer the relationship in the right direction. Being assertive means being confident and willing to stand up for yourself while still holding respect for others’ opinions and positions. If you’re talking to a man who checks those boxes, you’ve got “daddy” on your hands. [18]
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    Dominance “Daddies” tend to be dominant partners who are authoritative and leading in their relationships (especially in the bedroom). While this makes for great times behind closed doors, they may be emotionally sensitive at times, so it’s important to communicate your feelings and stand your ground when they are. [19]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      2. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      3. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      4. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      5. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      6. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      7. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      8. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/daddy
      9. ↑ https://www.campustimes.org/2017/04/24/daddymology/
      1. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      2. ↑ https://thevectorimpact.com/how-to-deal-with-uncomfortable-situations/
      3. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      4. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Alejandra Alfonzo. Language Instructor. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/how-to-be-mature-in-a-relationship/
      8. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-do-guys-like-being-called-daddy/
      9. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/ways-to-be-assertive-in-a-relationship/
      10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-encounters/201505/why-some-of-us-seek-dominant-partners
      11. ↑ Shelby Devlin, MA. Sex & Intimacy Coach. Expert Interview
      12. ↑ Shelby Devlin, MA. Sex & Intimacy Coach. Expert Interview
      13. ↑ Shelby Devlin, MA. Sex & Intimacy Coach. Expert Interview

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